Aaron Rai and Akshay Bhatia share 36-hole lead at Rocket Mortgage Classic

The 29-year-old carded seven birdies, including three-in-a-row at the end of the front nine and two straight to close out his round, to equal Bhatia's two-stroke lead at Detroit Golf Club.

"Felt like I drove it pretty well," Rai said. "Hit a lot of good approach shots. Felt like I hit a lot of greens. I gave myself a lot of looks and nice to finish off that way on 17 and 18.

"The game is in a good place. Striking it well tee to green. It's nice to see a few putts go in over the last couple of days.

American co-leader Bhatia followed up an opening round of 64 with a five under 67 on Friday.

"It's nice to get a score like what I had today," Bhatia said. "It's a fun play."

The pair are chased by a four-strong pack tied on 11 under, while three players are a shot further back.

Neal Shipley, who was the low amateur at the Masters and the US Open, is also in contention in his first PGA Tour event as a pro.

He carded a four under 68 in the second round to sit four shots back.

Defending champion Rickie Fowler is on six under and has some work to do to retain his title following an even 72 on Friday.